Samsung Washer Shakes While Spinning: Quick Fixes and Step by Step Repair Guide

Introduction: Why your Samsung washer shakes while spinning

If your Samsung washer shakes while spinning, it can feel like a small earthquake in your laundry room. This is a very common issue, and it usually comes down to one of a few specific things: an unbalanced load, an unleveled machine, leftover shipping bolts, or worn suspension parts like shocks and bearings.

In this guide you will get quick fixes that take five minutes, plus step by step repairs for parts replacement. Expect concrete tasks, for example redistributing heavy towels, adjusting the leveling feet, tightening mounting bolts, and swapping worn shock absorbers.

If a DIY fix does not stop the wobble, I show when to call a pro.

Quick stop checklist to stop the shaking now

Stop the cycle, unplug the washer, and open the lid or door. If your Samsung washer shakes while spinning, an imbalanced load is the most common cause. Pause and redistribute heavy items like towels or jeans so they sit evenly around the drum, or split a single heavy item into two loads. Lower the spin speed or run a drain and spin to remove excess water. Check all four feet, tighten them with a wrench, and place a folded towel or a firm shim under any low corner as a temporary stabilizer. If the machine is new, make sure transit bolts were removed. If shaking is violent, keep it unplugged and call a technician.

How to diagnose the problem step by step

Start with an empty spin cycle. Run the washer without clothes, watch and listen closely. If the drum wobbles violently, note whether it is front to back or side to side, and how far it moves; anything over about one inch of travel is a big clue. Next, do a half load test with three bath towels, spread evenly around the drum; if the shaking disappears, the original load was unbalanced.

Check the feet with a carpenter level on the top edge; if one foot sits higher than the others by about 1/4 inch, lower or raise the adjustable feet until the machine is level. Look at the back for any remaining shipping bolts, remove them if present. Inspect the drum for loose items, and check the pump filter for coins or debris that can shift during spin.

If the washer still shakes while spinning, perform the manufacturer diagnostic mode to capture fault codes, or press pause and try a slow spin to see if movement changes. Those observations will isolate whether the problem is a load issue, leveling, foreign objects, or a worn suspension part.

Fix 1 Level the washer and adjust the feet

Most of the time a samsung washer shakes while spinning because it is not sitting level. Quick check, place a level on the top of the cabinet, first front and back, then side to side. If the bubble is off, the feet need adjusting.

Steps to fix it

1. Unplug the washer, tip it slightly forward or have a helper hold it, and turn each leveling foot so it screws in or out until it makes firm contact with the floor.
2. Use a socket or adjustable wrench to hold the foot, and tighten the lock nut up against the cabinet so the foot cannot move.
3. If one foot cannot reach the floor, slide a thin piece of plywood or a rubber anti vibration pad under that corner.

Put in a small load of towels and run a spin cycle to confirm the wobble is gone. If it still rocks, recheck the feet and the floor underneath.

Fix 2 Balance the load and use proper cycles

An uneven load is the most common reason a Samsung washer shakes while spinning. When heavy items clump to one side, the drum becomes off center and creates violent vibration. Mixed loads make this worse, for example one blanket plus a handful of light shirts, or a single bath mat with small towels.

Practical fixes: split heavy items into their own load, or wash two medium items together so weight balances. For a single bulky item like a comforter, add a couple of bath towels to stabilize it and use the Bulky or Bedding cycle. For mixed delicates, pick Delicate or Gentle and lower the spin speed to reduce imbalance.

If you feel shaking start, pause the machine, open the door, and redistribute items around the drum evenly before resuming.

Fix 3 Inspect and replace shock absorbers or suspension springs

If your Samsung washer shakes while spinning, worn shock absorbers or stretched suspension springs are a common cause. Symptoms include loud banging, a drum that tilts or drops, excessive side to side movement, or strong vibration that travels across the floor.

How to inspect safely, step by step: unplug the washer, pull it away from the wall, and remove the rear or front access panel. For front loaders, check the top suspension springs for stretched coils or detached hooks; look for rusted or broken mounts. For both types, inspect bottom shock absorbers for oil seepage, torn boots, loose bolts, or excessive play by pushing on the drum corners and watching how quickly it settles.

Basic replacement guidance: match the OEM part to the model tag, support the tub with a block or helper, remove retaining clips or bolts, swap the worn shock or spring, reassemble, then run a test spin with a small load. Always unplug and wear gloves.

Fix 4 Check the tub bearing, drum and motor mount

If your Samsung washer shakes while spinning, bearings or a loose drum are often the culprit. Start simple, unplug the machine, open the door, then spin the drum by hand. If it feels rough or you hear grinding, the bearings are wearing out. Push the drum up and down and pull it toward you, if there is more than about a quarter inch of play the tub or spider mount is loose or cracked. Run an empty high spin cycle and listen for a low rumble or metallic scraping, that points to failed bearings or a broken spider arm. Check the rear seal for oil or grease, leaks mean bearing failure. Bearing replacement usually needs a bearing puller and press, sometimes the entire tub is cheaper to replace. If you see corrosion, heavy play, or loud grinding, order the correct Samsung parts by model or call a technician.

Other common causes and quick checks

Foreign objects, like coins, buttons, or a lone sock, often make a Samsung washer shakes while spinning. Do a quick drum check, feel around the tub, then run a short spin cycle with nothing inside to see if noise disappears.

Loose counterweights cause heavy vibration. Open the back or top panel, inspect the concrete or plastic weights, and hand tighten mounting bolts if they are loose. If a weight is cracked, replace it.

A clogged drain pump can unbalance load distribution. Remove the pump filter, clear lint or small toys, then test drainage.

Weak flooring transfers vibration. Put a level on the washer, tighten feet, or set a 3/4 inch plywood sheet under the machine for immediate stability.

When to call a technician and repair cost estimates

If your Samsung washer shakes while spinning and the fix is simple, do it yourself. Level the machine, redistribute the load, tighten loose feet, or swap out shock absorbers or suspension rods; parts often cost $20 to $60 and a weekend of work.

Call a technician when you hear grinding, the drum wobbles excessively, seals or bearings need replacing, or electronics like the control board or motor may be faulty. Bearing or tub repairs typically run $300 to $600 with labor; control board or motor jobs often cost $200 to $500. Before paying, check your model sticker, verify Samsung warranty coverage, and use authorized service to avoid voiding protection.

Preventative maintenance to keep your Samsung washer steady

If your samsung washer shakes while spinning, adopt a simple routine and you will avoid most problems. Weekly, check that the machine sits level, tighten the leveling feet, and make sure the drain hose is secure. Every load, balance bulky items with smaller garments or towels, never wash a single heavy item alone, and avoid overloading. Monthly, clean the filter and inspect suspension rods or shock absorbers for wear. Place the washer on a solid floor or use a rubber mat, and schedule annual professional service.

Conclusion and final troubleshooting checklist

When your samsung washer shakes while spinning, try these fast fixes: level machine, redistribute load, replace shock absorbers, tighten drum bolts, check drain. Checklist: level feet, run diagnostic, secure load, call repair if needed. Safety: unplug, wear gloves, save money.